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The ABC television affiliate in Bakersfield, Calif., is reporting that the local district attorney’s office will not file charges against linebacker Joey Porter for his arrest last weekend by the California Highway Patrol. Obviously, that is good news for Porter. I don’t know if the team will be commenting further on the subject, and it’s unknown if Porter faces any action from the league. But it’s fair to say that, if the law has decided not to pursue the issue, it makes it more unlikely anything else will be done to Porter.

UPDATE: Here is the official statement from Supervising Deputy District Attorney Mark Pafford: “Based upon the information that was provided to us by the CHP, we did not believe that there would be a reasonable likelihood that a jury would find Mr. Porter guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations. With this belief, we thought it was not appropriate for us to proceed.”

40 Responses
to “No charges for Porter”

To all the DOUBTERS, and everyone who laughed about us getting Joey Porter, even CARDINAL fans, this is a perfect example of people jumping to conclusions without knowing ANY facts of what happened. He showed up DAY 1 at the Facility in Tempe on Monday. NOW WE CAN MOVE ON!! Draft another LB in the First Round of the Draft, we could have a very solid Defense, LETS GO CARDS!!!

Well said. I freely admit that I was one who perhaps over-reacted initially. Hey, because I’m a fan and I always want to see the best results on the field, I’m happy for the outcome and I’m glad there are no legal charges. He could still face a suspension from the team or the league, but…whatever. Because I want to see him on the field doing what he does for the good of the team, no complaints here if it’s over and done with. BUT Mr Porter apparently does need to show better judgement going forward or he ( AND we, as fans ) may not be so fortunate next time. Whether or not there IS a next time is completely on him.

The optimist inside me says that this is the last we will hear about charges regarding this case and Porter. If they are not drawing up charges, I don’t see why the league would pursue anything. That’s like saying any NFL player who gets arrested for reasons that could be true or false will be in trouble with the league. If Porter had charges filed and court proceedings found him guilty, then yes, obviously the league should suspend etc. But considering the outcome of this thus far.. no reason to.

As I tell my clients when we win a big one – ‘Let’s quietly leave the Courthouse and then run for our lives.’ I hope Mr. Porter understands that it’s no time to brag, just leave well enough alone and realize there’s a bit of luck here. Assault on a Peace Officer is sometimes Contempt of Cop; must have been something he said. However my bet is that if Mr. Porter was struck, the handcuffs were already on.

People like to jump to conclusions on these situations, though I can’t exactly blame them. But his alcohol level was probably not over the legal limit, there’s disputes about whether the officer struck Porter or whether Porter merely slapped the officer’s hand. Either way, it seemed way blown out of proportion. He won’t be suspended and hopefully will work harder because it still wasn’t the best start to coming to a new team.

@ Chris – I agree / no charges, no meeting with Roger. Perhaps a letter stating we expect smarter or better conduct etc…..but I would doubt the league would get involved much beyond that.
Darren- what are the chances you can get Mr. Porter to speak about the incident. I imagine his entourage is encouraging him to say little to nothing, but I would love to hear his side of the sory.

Well.. with the actual DUIs that Tatupu and Hill got with the Seahawks and them not missing a snap Porter better not.. It is kind of sad that I’m cheering that a player on the Cards won’t miss play because his arrest has fallen through but I guess it is what it is.

im willing to bet that at least half of the people who visit this website (along with any other sports site) have a DUI. im not saying its ok to drink and drive, but **** HAPPENS. to everyone. now lets go play some ball.

lol sounds like a case of a cop trying to dog a citizen again. joey obviously wasnt drinking while driving or best believe he would be in trouble right now. dont get my statement wrong theres alot of good cops but theres a good amount of (jerks) too.

Steve Swenson of the Bakersfield Californian is reporting that the officer who arrested Joey is currently fighting a pending DUI charge himself right now and has a shady past. That’s why it’s always best to reserve judgement until all the facts are revealed folks. I was mad when he got arrested but refrained from coming on here and bashing him and now i’m glad i did. Now i bet all the Niner fans who were jumping up and down thinking he was going to get a 4 game suspension feel pretty stupid….3-PEAT BABY!

It makes me feel sick that the overwhelming response on this board: “great news”.
This whole thing feels like such a departure from the positive things that have been going on the last 3-4 years. Why are you all so OK with this type of behavior? Do you have different expectations for NFL players than you do for yourselves? Please don’t give me any crap and suggest that he wasn’t way out of line.
I’m worried about loosing locker room leadership that could help deal with characters like Porter who could wrech the chemistry.

All that really means is that they do not believe they can get a conviction and so will not pursue the matter. Not surprising if you remember that celebrities enjoy a certain entitled status in California…remember OJ? I still think we need to quit being the dumping ground for everyone else’s problems and put our money to better use such as retaining players who have proven to be an asset to the team and have leadership value. I don’t think this guy is smart enough to learn from his experience and I’m sure this won’t be the last time he makes the news on the police blotter. Even is other guys have had DUI’s that doesn’t make it right it just means they have more money than anybody else and can afford to buy a higher tier in the legal system.

dude he is not being tried dudes innocent. just because a cop takes you in dosnt mean you are in the wrong. being in this great state I have been held for walking while being brown without a license does it mean im a criminal no.